Chapter Ten - Changes

I watch the ripples change their size

But never leave the stream

Of warm impermanence and

So the days float through my eyes

It took two weeks for Azkedellia to fully map out her plan for the city. Jeb spent many of the nights they both woke up from nightmares with her, going over maps and designing a more efficient sewage system that would create work for the unemployed, at least for a while. Jeb watched as Azkedellia alternated between designing affordable housing for Cental City's poorest and designing DG's Presentation gowns.

"We will get the people who live in this area to build their own homes," said Azkedellia. "They can live in one of the ballrooms while the project is underway."

"The Queen won't be happy with that," said Jeb.

"The Queen does not need to be happy," said Azkedellia firmly, lip quivering. "She needs to understand that the housing situation needs to change. I must do this."

"The Guard will help out," Jeb assured her. He'd had several talks with the men and women of the Gale Guard about helping Azkedellia's plans along. They'd felt strange helping her, but once Jeb had explained what she was up to, they were more than happy to help.

"I hope so," said Azkedellia. "I am going to need all the help I can get with this project."

"You seem happier," said Jeb.

"I think I am happier," said Azkedellia. "I am doing something worthwhile with myself. Does that not usually make a person happier?"

"I suppose it does," said Jeb. "I was looking over your plans. As nice as arched windows are, square ones are easier to build."

"That may be, but arched windows will give the area some character," said Azkedellia.

"The people won't appreciate them," snapped Jeb. "All they'll want is a light source. They won't care if the windows look pretty."

"Very well, I shall redesign the house fronts," sighed Azkedellia. "But I insist on there being trees. They will help make the area prettier. And cleaner."

"I agree with that," said Jeb. "It'll give the kids space to play."

"Then we'll have to hire people to be arbourists," said Azkedellia, "so that the trees are well taken care of and when they are mature no one will be hurt."

"I like how this plan of yours is going," said Jeb.

"Much better than the last one," Azkedellia attempted to joke. "Is it too soon to joke about that?"

"Perhaps a little," said Jeb. "Where are we sourcing materials from?"

"I have decided to go through Mother's office and source from the West," said Azkedellia. "If they think they are dealing with her, then they will give us a fair price. If they know it is me, they will outright refuse to work with us."

"Then you've found a good way around it," said Jeb. "If they don't look too far into it, they'll never know that you're heading this project."

"I know how easy it is to find out that the materials are going to me," said Azkedellia, frustrated. "But I can think of no other way to get what we need. The West needs the economic boost that comes with building. The East needs an agricultural boost. The South needs an agricultural boost. The North needs the mines to work again. And Central is a mess that needs reorganizing and repair. And there is no one to blame for this disaster except for me."

"We'll tackle this one area at a time," said Jeb. "I know that you have plans for all of the OZ."

"I might," said Azkedellia, "but the people need to gain confidence in DG and her ability to make decisions and use her Light. I can only do so much. Jeb?"

"Yes?"

"If I choose to leave after the Presentation," said Azkedellia, "would you come with me?"

"Where would you go?" asked Jeb. "Finaqua?"

"Not Finaqua," said Azkedellia. "I don't know if I could ever go there again. There's a small house in the southeast called Gale House. It is where members of the royal family go when they are embarrassments or choose to retire from public life. I would go there."

"What's there?"

"It is a working farm, or it was. We - and whoever went with us - would be completely self sufficient. The OZ could forget I existed."

"I'd like that. To live quietly and peacefully for once."

"Your father would be welcome to visit at any point, should the two of you choose to do that."

"I think that'll be good for him, getting out of Central every so often. You have this all worked out, don't you Azkedellia?"

"Not all worked out. But much of my future, yes."

"And you want me in it?"

"I have come to trust you. I find your presence soothing."

"There's a compliment. So when does the Central City operation begin?"

"Next week, if all goes according to plan."

One of the Queen's messengers popped into Azkedellia's suite. "Message for Princess Azkedellia."

"Yes?" said Azkedellia. "What is it?"

"The Queen rushed your request, and the West will be sending supplies for reconstruction of Central City," chirped the messenger.

"Thank you," said Azkedellia. "Please thank the Queen for me. I will begin operation Ratcatcher in the next few days. As soon as the materials arrive."

"Got it!" said the messenger. She bowed and dashed out of the suite and back to the Queen's offices.

"Well that was convenient," said Azkedellia. "Is your end ready?"

"The Guard is all set," said Jeb. "Whenever you're ready, Azkedellia, so are we."

"That is a good thing," said Azkedellia. "I am going to read for a little while. You are welcome to join me."

"I'd like that," said Jeb. "Let me get the third volume of Ozman history."

"History?"

Jeb blushed. "Yeah. It's interesting."

"We will have to talk about it," said Azkedellia with a badly suppressed smile.